There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Amish Hamburger Steak Bake—that blend of creamy sauce, tender ground beef, and golden-brown layers that fill the kitchen with the smell of home. This dish captures everything I love about old-fashioned, Main Dish Ground Beef Recipes: simple ingredients, comforting flavor, and a casserole that feeds the soul.
The Amish know how to take the simplest ingredients—ground beef, onions, cream, and potatoes—and turn them into something spectacular. This bake has that down-home charm: creamy and hearty on the inside, slightly crisp and golden on top, and packed with layers of flavor that feel both rustic and indulgent.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or looking for a cozy weekend supper, this Amish Hamburger Bake delivers every time. It’s as easy as layering, baking, and enjoying—and the leftovers might be even better the next day.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
- Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents loves it.
- Simple ingredients: Ground beef, potatoes, onions, and a creamy sauce.
- Budget-conscious: Feeds a family with inexpensive pantry staples.
- Perfect for meal prep: Reheats and freezes beautifully.
- Comfort food classic: Like a mashup of hamburger steak, scalloped potatoes, and creamy casserole.
- Versatile: Add mushrooms, green beans, or cheese for variation.
This is one of those Very Best Recipes that feels like it’s been passed down through generations—because it probably has.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
For the Layers
- 3–4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms or green beans
- Dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for a kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the beef mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion until the beef is cooked through and the onions are translucent (about 8–10 minutes). Drain any excess grease, then add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir for another minute to release aroma.
3. Prepare the sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme until smooth.
4. Layer the bake
Spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half the beef mixture, then pour over half the sauce. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
5. Add cheese and topping
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. If desired, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter over the cheese for a golden, crunchy crust.
6. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbling and golden brown.
7. Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper for a finishing touch.
How to Serve Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
This creamy casserole is a meal in itself, but the right sides make it shine. For a classic Amish-style dinner, serve it with simple buttered green beans, coleslaw, or a slice of homemade bread to soak up every bit of sauce.
If you’re going for full comfort mode, try pairing it with creamy baked mac and cheese or roasted carrots with maple glaze. A crisp garden salad also balances the richness perfectly.
Want to build a full dinner around it? Discover great ideas like
- Ground Beef Casserole with Green Beans
- Hamburger Steak with Onion Mushroom Gravy
- Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
Serve your Amish Hamburger Steak Bake family-style, straight from the baking dish, with a sprinkle of parsley and a drizzle of the creamy sauce pooled around each serving. Add a few dill pickles or a spoonful of ketchup on the side for that nostalgic diner touch. It’s rich, rustic, and irresistible.
How to Store Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
This casserole is perfect for leftovers and make-ahead meals.
Refrigerate: Let it cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To keep the creamy texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk before reheating to refresh the sauce.
Freeze: This bake freezes beautifully! Assemble up to the baking step, cover tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. You can also freeze cooked leftovers—just thaw and reheat gently.
Pro tip: Use disposable foil pans for freezing. Label with the date and reheating instructions for quick dinners later.
Tips to Make the Best Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
- Slice potatoes thinly so they cook evenly and become soft and creamy.
- Add onions early: They caramelize lightly with the beef, adding sweetness.
- Cheese choice: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives the best melt and flavor.
- Cream of mushroom = classic flavor: You can also substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- Layer evenly: Keep ingredients uniform to help it bake perfectly.
- Rest before serving: This lets the sauce thicken into that perfect creamy texture.
- Try ground turkey: For a lighter twist that still feels comforting.
This Quick Recipe with Hamburger Meat tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen—but it’s done in under an hour.
Variations of Amish Hamburger Steak Bake
- Creamed Hamburger Casserole: Skip potatoes and serve the beef mixture over egg noodles or rice for a creamier, stovetop-style version.
- Cheesy Ranch Bake: Add a packet of ranch seasoning mix and top with shredded Colby Jack.
- Hamburger Onion Bake: Layer thinly sliced onions between the beef and potato layers for extra flavor depth.
- Vegetable version: Add green beans, corn, or peas to make it heartier.
- Double Cheese Bake: Mix shredded cheese into each layer—not just on top—for ultra-melty bites.
- Dinner for Two (Healthy Version): Cut the recipe in half and bake in an 8×8 dish. Use lean ground beef, light sour cream, and low-fat cheese.
- Amish Hamburger Shepherd’s Pie: Spread mashed potatoes over the top instead of sliced potatoes for a cozy twist.
Whether you stick to the original or try one of these Hamburger-Based Meals, it’s impossible to go wrong.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q2: Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both work well, but ground beef gives the most traditional flavor.
Q3: What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold shape and create a creamy texture when baked.
Q4: My sauce seems thin—what can I do?
Bake uncovered for the last 15 minutes to thicken it, or stir in an extra spoonful of sour cream.
Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free soup and breadcrumbs, or omit the topping entirely.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake is everything a comfort food should be: creamy, hearty, simple, and satisfying. It’s proof that the best meals don’t require fancy ingredients—just a little time, love, and a warm oven.
From busy weeknights to cozy Sunday suppers, this recipe fits any occasion. It’s one of those Free Hamburger Recipes that feel timeless, always hitting the spot with a creamy bite and the familiar flavors of home.
When you pull this bubbling casserole from the oven, golden and fragrant, you’ll understand why it’s a staple across generations. Serve it warm, share it generously, and watch it disappear fast.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Amish Hamburger Steak Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Amish Hamburger Steak Bake combines ground beef, potatoes, onions, and creamy sauce into a golden, comforting casserole that’s as hearty as it is simple.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–4 russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch dish.
2. Brown beef and onions in a skillet; add garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. In a bowl, mix soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire, and thyme.
4. Layer half of potatoes, beef, and sauce. Repeat layers.
5. Top with cheese and drizzle melted butter.
6. Cover and bake 45 minutes; uncover and bake 15 minutes more until golden.
7. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use lean ground beef (80/20) for best flavor.
Slice potatoes thinly so they bake evenly.
Can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated.
Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg